Women’s basketball dynasty National University (NU) has exacted its revenge against defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST), reclaiming the UAAP women’s basketball crown with a 78-73 win in game three of the finals on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs clinched the championship at the start of the third quarter, streaking on a 10-0 run after a 38-all first half deadlock through the bruising effort of Finals Most Valuable Player Cielo Pagdulagan and national team standout Angel Surada.

While NU’s lead ballooned to as much as 15 at multiple points in the second half, the Tigresses tried a late comeback through the three point shooting to Tacky Tacatas and Karylle Sierba to trim a 62-75 deficit to four, 73-77.

Shooter Camille Clarin though iced the game, shooting three-of-four from the free throw line with seconds left, on top of her steal of Sierba’s drive attempt.

“I am so proud to be the captain of this team. It’s the we over the me. These girls really showed me what it takes to fight until the end,” said the graduating Clarin.

It was a redemption season for the Lady Bulldogs as the Tigresses broke NU’s seven-peat dynasty in Season 86.

“These players were on it since Day 1 ng training camp namin. We asked so much from them pero hindi mo matatawaran yung effort nila every day. I’m just very satisfied because today, this is the fruit of our labor. I’m really satisfied with how they conducted themselves today. Lahat lahat lahat binigay ang lahat para sa redemption year na ito,” said NU head coach and former UST men’s playmaker Aris Dimaunahan, who won his second trophy as gaffer.

Pagdulagan, who also won Rookie of the Year, led her team in the finals with 21 points off 10-of-13 from free throws, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

Surada and Clarin supported with 14 points each and a combined six steals.

Sierba and Tacatac had 20 and 14 points, respectively, and combined for eight triples for the former champs while center CJ Maglupay hauled 23 rebounds for the Tigresses.

The scores:

NU 78 – Pagdulagan 21, Surada 14, Clarin 14, Pingol 10, Cayabyab 5, Konateh 4, Fabruada 4, Canuto 3, Betanio 3, Villanueva 0, Bartolo 0

UST 73 – Sierba 20, Tacatac 14, Santos 8, Soriano 8, Maglupay 7, Pastrana 7, Bron 5, Danganan 4, Ambos 0, Serrano 0

Quarter scores: 17-17, 38-38, 65-50, 78-73